Page 83 of Honor Requires

Lord Matlock nodded. “Bramley.”

“And my dear sister,” he added, inclining his head toward Elizabeth.

“Good morning, Bramley.”

He took his seat, reaching for coffee. “I trust the household survived the night?”

“Just so,” Jane said. “Viola is much improved this morning.”

“I am glad of it,” he replied.

Elizabeth rose slightly from her chair. “I shall take the boys out after their lessons,” she said to Jane. “The air will do them good.”

Jane’s expression dissolved in gratitude. “Thank you, Lizzy. You are always so attentive.”

Elizabeth smiled. “It is no hardship.”

“I shall join them for their tea,” Jane added. “Before they take their rest.”

“I shall look forward to it.”

Bramley glanced between them. “I must dine and then attend a meeting with my solicitor,” he said. “I shall not be present this afternoon, I fear.”

“Business must be attended,” Lady Matlock said approvingly.

“Indeed,” he replied.

Elizabeth inclined her head and withdrew soon after, leaving the others to their conversation.

The boys were eager for their outing, their lessons dispatched with commendable speed once the promise of the park was secured. Elizabeth gathered them with practiced ease, the nurse and a footman following as they made their way out into the mild morning air. Bruno stayed home that day. Elizabeth was too tired to manage her beast of a dog.

The walk began pleasantly enough. The boys ran ahead in short bursts, their laughter bright and unrestrained, while Elizabeth followed at a measured pace, calling them back when they strayed too far.

“Aunt Lizzy, look!” one of them cried, pointing toward a passing dog.

“Yes, I see him,” she replied, smiling faintly. “But do not run so far ahead.”

They obeyed—briefly.

It was not until they had reached the edge of the park that Elizabeth realized her omission.

“The ball,” she said, stopping.

The nurse looked at her. “Miss?”

“I have forgotten their ball,” Elizabeth said. “They will be quite disappointed.”

The boys looked up at once. “Our ball?”

“I shall return for it,” she said. “You may wait here with Nurse.”

“I want to come,” Drew said at once.

“No,” Elizabeth replied gently. “You must stay here.”

He looked like he might protest, but she smiled at him. “I shall not be long.”

Reluctantly, he acquiesced.